Steering mechanism



May 16, 1933. p MATTHEWS 1,908,376

STEERING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 1, 1929 a INVENTOR 3 Philip EMaMhen w,

1 J AITQRNEY BYQ IMIGMMUW Patented May 16, 1933 UNITED STATES- PHILIP n. MATTHEWS, or PLAINFIELD, new annsaxnssienon To INTERNATIONAL 1 MOTOR COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE STEERING MECHANISM Application filed November 1, 1929. Serial no. 403,933.

The present invention relates to steering mechanisms and embodies, more specifically, an improved steering mechanism in which the vibrations and shocks impressed thereon during movement of the vehicle are effec tively cushioned and substantlally eliminated before reaching the hands of the op-- V erator of the vehicle.

In recent years, attempts have been made to cushion the vibrations set up in the steering mechanism and prevent their transmission to the steering column and wheel manipulated by the driver of the vehicle. Further attempts have been made to eliminate the objectionable shimmyingf of the steering wheels and it has been found that such shimmying may be eliminated by relieving the steering wheels of a rigid mounting between the wheels and permitting a degree of yielding of such mountings with respect to each other. The present invention seeks to provide a device for eliminating the objectionable vibrations set up in the steering mechanism and transmitted to the steering column and wheel, at the same time preventing the above mentioned shimmying of the steering wheels. In carrying out the above objectives, a universally yielding steering mechanism. is provided, not only serving to cushion the vibrations impressed upon the drag link thereof, but also the vibrations in the tie rod connecting the wheels for steering.

An object of the above invention, accordingly, is to afford a steering mechanism in which the vibrations set up in the mechanism are cushioned and materially reduced before being transmitted to the hands of the driver of the vehicle. 7

A further object of the invention is to provide a steering mechanism in which the wheels are so connected that shimmying thereof is effectively eliminated.

Further objects, not specifically enumer ated above, will be apparent as the inven- .members 6 and serve to transmit the steering forces as .tion is described in greater detail in connection with the I accompanying drawing, wherein: Y i v f Figure 1 'isa perspective View. showing a steering mechanism. constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view in section, taken on, a

plane passing through the axis of the stub shaft mounting the worm'wheel of the steering mechanism.

Figure 3 is a view in section, taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2, and looking in, the direction of the arrows. I Figure t is a view in section taken on plane passing throu h the axis of'the tie rod shown in Figure 1. V I

Referring to the above drawing, a designates a steering column having a worm and vworm wheehjnot shown. The worm wheel or gear ismounted upon of which is serrated at I). On this serrated portion of shaft 6, a driving dog I)? isosccured. Diametrically extending hearing are formed on the driving dog described. hereinafter. o

A steering lever c is provided with a housing 0 having inwardly extending diametrically opposed flanges 0 Between the flanges 0 and b yielding nonanetallic blocks (Z are mounted. A threaded cover 0 is secured over the housingc" and a nut 0 is provided to lock the parts in assembled position] It w ll be apparent that movement between the driving dog 6 and steering lever c is trans .mitted through the .-blocks of yielding non metallic material (Z, such as rubber. A drag link 6 is secured betweenthe steering lever c and steering arm f ofv one'of the steering wheels, This front wheel is also formed with a second arm f to which a drag link, or cross steering tube 9 is connected in the manner described hereinafter.

At either end of the drag link e and the tie rod g, a, cushion connection is provided a shaft 11, the end PATENT oFFicEI f for eliminating any shimmying of the wheels and cushion the shocks; imposed thereon during movement of the vehicle. A housing It is formed with an axial cylindrical bearing surface h in'which an end of the drag link or tie rod is slidably received. A threaded cover 722 is secured to the housing and serves as an additional bearing for the above elements. The ends of the drag link and tie rod are formed with flanged collars, as shown in Figure4. The

construction 'of Figure 4,1 representing the connection at the ends of the tie rod, 1s similar in every detail to the connection at the I ends'ofithe dragilinkije and aideseription of the connection for one of such locations will" suflice. The flanged collar of the drag link. 9 is indicated at g and is received within c, or between the drag link and arm f, the ball F Will be the corresponding element in such connections. A nut 7L5 secures the bearing blocks in place and a yleldlng non-metallic block j is provided in a recess 71, in the lower block 72; to afford an anti-rattle connection and additionally serve as an automatic adjusting device for the wear of-the joint.

A suitable-lubricating fitting Zcis-provided, lubricant injected therethrough coming directly in contact Withthe bearing surface of theball. Suitable seals 75' are proing and havingan annular sealing means to prevent lubricant from reachlng the mass of rubber.

This specification signed this 28th day of October PHILIP E. MATTHEWS.

vided to prevent any leakage of the grease to the block 7'.

The above construction-affords a ball 'connection for the housing inwhich the ele- Fments are mounted-in a crosswise direction, thus preventlng shocks transmitted through the drag link from tending to open the ball socket." i i The foregoing construction affords a unitary connection which may be highly standardized and which is 'ofsimple construction to facilitate the manufacture and assembly thereof. WVhi'le the invention has been described with specific reference to the accompanying, drawing,:it is not to be limited, 7

save as defined in the appended claims.

I- claim as my invention:

In a lubricated ball and socket joint construction wherein the ball is held in position between one of the seats and the joint hous- -between-movable seats, means for holding said seats in contact with said ball comprising a mass of rubber held in compression 

